Epistemic, Ethical and Value Questions in Social Sciences: The Past Experience and the Present Challenges

The paper analyses the worrying state of higher education in general and social sciences in particular. The contribution of social sciences is sought to be measured in commercial terms. Over the years social sciences have bent to be in tune with the dominant interests. The tendency has been more towards system rationalization than pursuit of knowledge with the public or social purpose. An attempt is made here with reference to Economics to show how these tendencies have evolved historically by sacrificing ethics and values in the name of objective rational science. These tendencies have become more exposed. There has been declining public support more so under the neoliberal regime. And much more troubling is the declining esteem towards social sciences. Financial support for research has become more motivated by specific, short-term and often commercial concerns. The role of social scientists as public intellectuals becomes essential to learn from the public as much as sharing knowledge with the public. The enhancement of public value of social sciences lies in the ability in interacting with the public that would have reason to value social science research. The power of social science to speak the truth to power to restore a due place for social science research in society is contingent upon the reach of social science to the public.